How to Build a Scarecrow Mask Out of Burlap

For years, farmers have used scarecrows to frighten unwanted pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits away from their crops. Scarecrows have also been adopted by Halloween costumers because of their frightening facial expressions. Scarecrow masks are essential parts of the costume and rather than purchasing a mask, some may find it more rewarding to design and create a homemade one. A burlap sack is the most important element that do-it-yourself costume designers need to make a convincing scarecrow mask.

Things You'll Need

Burlap sack

Scissors

Marker

Button

Paint

Stringed mop head

Hot glue gun

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Cut your burlap sack in half horizontally and use the upper half as your scarecrow mask. Turn the mask inside out and lay it out on a flat surface. Measure the distance between your eyes and the distance from your forehead to your eyes; use the marker to draw eyeholes on the mask the same distance apart and the same length down the mask as your measurements. Draw a line for the mouth anywhere on the sack; curve it into a smile, a frown or make it a straight line. Glue a button nose anywhere on the mask that you desire.

Cut the eyeholes of your mask out with a pair of scissors or a craft knife and then put the mask over your head to make sure that your vision is not obstructed by the mask. If it is, adjust the holes so that you can see clearly.

Cut along the mouth line to make a slit and then pinch the fabric together with your fingers along the slit. With the hot glue gun, glue the gathered fabric together, making it look disheveled and frayed. If you want the mouth to look more clean-cut, simply flip the bag right-side out and fold the slits of the mouth shut. Glue the flaps together with the hot glue gun and then flip the bag inside out again.

Glue the mop head to the scarecrow mask with the hot glue gun. You can cut and style the strings on the mop head as you wish. Decorate the scarecrow by painting its mop hair or the burlap sack. Place the mask on your head when it is dry and the glue has cooled to make sure that the mask is comfortable and that you can see, breathe and speak easily.